Ford Windstar

imgoinnuts · April 2001

I haven't read much about problems with head gaskets on the '96 Wind stars but I can't believe I am the only one dealing with the repercussions! My head gaskets failed at 48K miles and luckily for me the extended warranty (through GE Capitol) paid for the replacement engine. It took almost 6 weeks to get the van back with the "new" engine. The day I finally retrieved it, the van started stalling. I kept it over the weekend for sentimental reasons (hey, we had to become reaquainted!) and took it back to the service kept. the following week. Naturally, it wouldn't stall right away but by the next day, it would stall for the technicians quite willingly. Seems the "certified" Ford engine had the cam sensor installed incorrectly. Thinking that correction would help, I was assured all was well. It ended up stalling some more and the service manager said they turned the sensor the "wrong" way. mm. Well, I finally had my Wind star back. At least I thought so. Now, one week later, it is back at the shop after being towed about 60 miles from the highway. I had all 3 kids in the van, driving in rush hour on an interstate when the transmission (I think) started malfunctioning. It would rev and shake but not accelerate. I noticed the tach. would show a surge. Needless to say, it was a harrowing experience, the potential for injury plus being stranded for several hours waiting for a tow and ride home. The service kept. at the dealer gave me a loner (again) and I joked about moving up in the world since for loner #3 I got a Taurus instead of an Escort. I also got reimbursed for the tow. Now, I admit that sounds pretty good but now I am into my 3rd month of car problems which in my mind all started with the head gasket problem. Is it all coincidental or are my instincts right, telling me to bail? I've looked at Honda and Sennas to compare. Problem is my van is almost paid for and I looked forward to no car payment or at least purchase a used car for my teenager in the interim. I suspect I won't get much in trade or invoice price with the imports. Am I right? I shudder to think I will have to deal with Ford again and again. I have had lip service from their Customer Relationship Center for the most part (how do you like their mail form letter?) and most recently a letter telling me they appreciate my frustration, etc. He, just buy my Wind star back and let me move on!
Any advice?

iwasscammed · April 2001

DO what I did and post a homepage about your problems and the dealer. It has finally gotten me somewhere. The general manager is trading me out of my van and putting me in a suv. I sent the homepage to him once a week so he could see how many hits it got. No more salesmen to deal with, just the General Manager now. Just a suggestion.

cope5 · April 2001

We purchased a 1999 Ford Windstar SE in May 1999. We have 38K miles (2K past warranty). The van overheated on me this week. No warning lights appeared. The temperature gauge did however register "H". Unfortunately, I did not notice the temp gauge while on the highway. We had the van towed to the dealership. We were told the "freeze plugs" were the cause of the leak. Not a major problem but it was good we caught it. However, according to the service guy, this is not supposed to happen. In order to get to the freeze plugs they have to drop the transmission. Being we are out of warranty (only by 2K miles, Ford will cover 80% and we pay 20% which amounts to about $80. Anybody have any similar problems?

ckreiter · April 2001

I just bought a 2001 LX. On my 99 LX, the interior lights would illuminate when you unlocked the doors with the remote entry pad. The dealer said that you need to have the keypad on the drivers door for this to work on the newer models. Does anyone have a 2001 LX that has the interior illuminated when the doors are unlocked via the remote entry or is the dealer really telling the truth?

Thanks.

stever · May 2001

Sales are down; negotiate hard :-)

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

jvirginia · May 2001

Awww. I really feel for Ford. Maybe if they treated their customers with a little respect and dignity and took some responsibility for poor workmanship and defective designs, the public might be more sympathetic. And, maybe if they hadn't given each of their assembly line workers $14,500 in bonuses over the last two years the public might also be more willing to believe their price increases are somehow justified and necessary. To borrow a phrase from history, 'If they get hungry, let them eat gaskets!'.

callo_ · May 2001

however, Ford was down 14.5% for April, better than GMs 15.7% and DaimlerChryslers 17.5%

jvirginia · May 2001

I'm still pissed at Ford for not owning up to their defective products. However, the Edmunds news story did have different figures than the ones you posted above :

"Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. auto sales slid 16 percent in April ......
The 16 percent skid in sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles included a 22 percent slide in cars and a 12 percent drop-off in trucks compared with a year ago. Formerly fast-selling, high-profit SUVs showed particular weakness. Sales of the Explorer dropped 16 percent, while demand for the Excursion tumbled 32 percent. Sales of Ford's Windstar vans plunged 35 percent"

callo_ · May 2001

one thing that is common in both stories is that domestic vehicles are taking a beating. I do believe that a turn around is near. Peace

philliesfan · May 2001

1995 WS 65K miles, head gasket blew causing engine to sieze. Had van towed to local garage I use & trust for all my repairs. Garage recommended having local ford dealer assess van and recommend repair. My borther-in-law had similar problem and ford offered him kelly blue book value + 3,500 for engine replacement to use on purchase of any new ford. Has anyone had a similar experience. I need to know what my options are.

davidmalden · May 2001

First time here on Edmunds... anyway, I've got a 97 Windstar GL, with 106k miles. Just the other day the transmission started downshifting sporadically - I had it towed to my mechanic who referred me to a transmission guy that he works with. Two days later I'm about to be out almost $2000 for a rebuilt tranny. Seems wrong that I would need this with only 106k miles. I've had other vans (that I towed with) go well over this.

I've seen a couple of other postings about pepple with problems, but I haven't seen what people have done about them and/or what the final solution was.

Any suggestions or similar situtations?

I got this used, bought the extened warranty from the used car dealer, and it expired about 15k miles ago.

david

david_alden@tufts-health.com
davidmalden@aol.com

drew_ · May 2001

You may want to read and re-post your question in the Ford Windstar problems discussion topic. You may find the answer to your question there.

Good luck,

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

sueszo · May 2001

I have a 2001 Wind star DX with key less entry system and the interior lights come on when I unlock the doors through the key fob and they turn off when I lock the doors with the key fob. I had a 99 Wind star that worked the same way. I hope this helps with your problem.

jeffi · May 2001

If I order a van now will it be a 2001 or 2002. Will the rebates and low interest rates apply to 2002 models. I am ready to purchase a SEL in the next 4 weeks.

Thanks

minivan_buyer · May 2001

I recently saw newspaper ad. for new 2001 EL
for $25K. This price is almost $4k below invoice.
I know there is $2000 rebate and around $1000
dealer hold back. Is there additional incentive
announced by Ford? I could not figure out how
the dealership would sell 2001 EL for $4000 below
invoice.

minivan_buyer · May 2001

EL in my earlier post should read SEL. The spell
checker changed SEL to EL

stever · May 2001

You have 30 minutes to make any changes or fixes after you post a message. Just click on the Edit button that follows your message after you post it.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

mshutter · May 2001

To the writer of message #411, I say tell your brother to grab the deal the local ford dealer is offering and get rid of that 95 windstar. My windstar blew its first head gasket at 53,000 miles and of course Ford told me "so sorry". Only months later did I learn of the "secret" warrranty and get ford to pay for the earlier repair bill. then I made the foolish decision to keep the van, thinking that the 100,000 mile warranty was protection enough. I started trying to sell the van at about 95,000 miles but was unsuccessful and suddenly I was at 101,000 miles when the head gasket went bad....Just how in the world does Ford design these things to go bad right after the warranty is exceeded? Simply amazing. So now I've paid the repair bill and I figure the head gasket is good for at least another 45 to 50,000 miles. With a bit of luck, I'll have is sold before I get to purchase head gasket number 3.

bblaha · May 2001

Just curious. Do you know exactly what Ford did when they fixed it? I mean, details? Or did you just hand it to them and they handed it back when they "fixed" it?

The Windstar is a bimetal engine. A blown head gasket is not unique to the Windstar, other vehicles (not even just Fords) that use bimetal engines have problems too (Neon for example).

vandalybay1 · May 2001

Hi,
The grandparents have an Aerostar heavily modified for a wheelchair. The expensive modifications are the reason they want to keep the van. I believe it is about a 1995. Twice in hot weather (90's) and on long trips in South Dakota it has stalled. After towing the dealer looked at it and couldn't determine the cause.

1. Is this a common occurence for other Aerostar owners?

2. Any suggestions for a fix?

Thank you.

rmscs · May 2001

I have a well maintained 96 Windstar with 75,000 miles. Contrary to most - the van has been trouble free. My question is... Given all we know about the head gasket and transmission problems - is there any steps that can be taken to avoid them. (OK, I thought of trading.)

Thanks

koolerb · May 2001

For about the last month I have been seeing the base Windstars advertized for $16,500 at more than one dealership in my Sunday paper in NJ. This includes the $400 recent college grad. rebate.

koolerb · May 2001

There is a good looking 98' Windstar at my local dealer. I know one person that owns one and he's up to 120,000 miles with no problems. Has anyone out there had any major problems with the 98'.

koolerb · May 2001

I have a 2000, and the interior lights do illuminate when the keyless entry is used. The interior lights have a three position switch, one of those positions kills that feature. Check different switch positions if you haven't done that already. It wouldn't surprise me if the dealer just didn't know what he was talking about. Most of these guys I talk to at the dealerships are real meatheads. Its rare to find someone that actually know what going on with the vehicles.

skirv · May 2001

It sounds like your parents' car has a manufacturer's defect. Check out this link: http://cartalk.cars.com/Got-A-Car/Press-Release/calif-recall.html. I had an 89 Bronco that did the same thing. I could never figure it out. The day after I sold it, I heard about this lawsuit. The ignition module is located in a place where it gets too hot, and causes the engine to stall. It was infuriating, because I was afraid to take the Bronco on long drives in the summer, especially through the desert with the family. I found the stalling was very sporadic, and didn't happen that often, but often enough to be frustrating.

clink1 · May 2001

I have a 2001 Windstar with 14,000 km and since new when coming to an abrupt stop or a quick takeoff you can hear the loud thump of the fuel sloshing around in the fuel tank. My Ford dealership says there is nothing they can do until they hear of similar complaints. So, are there any?

bdemas · June 2001

clink1: My 2000 SE does the same, I've heard it in a 1999 as well. Usually with the kids on board and the radio turned up we don't normally hear it. I believe someone on this board or the ford windstar problem board mentioned this problem a year or so ago. There is probably nothing Ford can do to fix it other then put in some baffles.

clink1 · June 2001

There was a reference made to a fix for sliding door using velcro. Hope it helps as I just returned from dealership and had both front seat belt spacer plates replaced on the sliding adjustment mechanism and squeaking/ticking sound is still present, may be sliding door. On another note, if anyone with 2001 WS is experiencing a rattling sound from rear passenger 3rd row area, may be wire harness in this area or screw on car jack not tight and seated. I think too many squeaks and rattles for a vehicle in this era.

robigail · June 2001

First time on the Board . . . I'm in the market and have to choose between the Windstar (SEL) and the Toyota Sienna (XLE). I can get the Windstar for abt. $3000 less, but is it worth potential reliability issues down the road?

vezini · June 2001

Has anybody heard what the changes for 2002 will be?

jsiedhoff · June 2001

I had the same problem on my 2000 Windstar. The dealer replace the guides that the sliding door rests on when it is closed (passenger side) but that did not help. I took it back for this problem and some other squeaks (it has been back at the dealer 7 times now and I dropped it off again this morning)and they replaced the guides again (so they said) but they also put some felt on them. That seems to have corrected the problem for now. Check out the Ford Windstar Problems message board for more details on various squeaks/rattles. I have posted three previous messages there.

ocd · June 2001

I picked up my new SEL on Monday night. I am very
pleased with it. The more I drive it, the more I like it. The stereo sounds great and the convenience of the 6 disc in dash cd changer is very nice. The kids love the power sliding doors and my wife has been very happy with the new purchase as we upgraded from a Taurus. The next thing I will do is de-activate the seat belt reminder as it is pretty loud (scarey)when you are only running around the block and do not fasten your seat belt. I looked at the Silhouette's and decided hands down to go with the
Windstar.

jsiedhoff · June 2001

Ocd, If you don't want to wear your seat belt, fine, but think about your kids. I would not recommend disabling the seat belt reminder. This will remind you to make sure your kids are belted in. Think about what your kids will go through should something happen to you. Not wearing your seat belt (especially if you have a family to support) is a selfish act. Most accidents occur within 10 miles of the home (or is it one mile, I can't remember). I am not trying to tell you what to do, I just think you owe it to your family.

k9cop1 · June 2001

I am looking for a floor console to place between the front bucket seats of my wife's 1999 SE. The ones in the catalogs (steel horse et al)are too wide due to the placement of the emergency brake lever. Any help appreciated.
Dave

clink1 · June 2001

K9cop1, I have a 2001 windstar LX and have an after market console called a "clutter catcher" fits perfectly. Try J.C.whitney.com

ocd · June 2001

Jsiedhoff, The only reason to deactivate the reminder alarm was to keep me from jumping out of my seat when I drive around the block to a family members house. Whenever I have my children in the Windstar everyone has their belts on. It's nice to be able to fasten your seat belt without an alarm having to remind you. It's common sense in the driving safely routine.

k9cop1 · June 2001

Thanks, Ill give it a try!
Dave

callo_ · June 2001

As first time van owners, my wife and I chose the 2001 Windstar SEL. Since our purchase we have had nothing but compliments and good times with the van, and the children love it. She has over 9000 miles on it, and so far, we have had no problems at all. The vehicle has been nothing but a pleasure to own.

sharonlpk · June 2001

OK, this sounds silly, but I didn't want am actual console in the front (kids have one in the 2nd row seats for their junk!).... at at SuperK found a two-tier 'stuff holder' which has been great for us. Was only $12 or so, but allows cups, etc. on the top level, which can be lifted up to store other stuff -- hidden out of site, in my case it's usually papers or money...

Or, it can be arranged to make a one-tier longer 'stuff holder' which would be good if we didn't already have the built-in one in the back.

By the way, it's nice to read some complimentary posts about the Windstar here, overall I really like our new 2001 SE Sport!!

rbitdog · June 2001

I'm looking for more space (for dogs and crates) than my Ford Escort offers- I've had it for two years with no problems. I drive 1 hour each way to work, so gas mileage is a consideration. What I WANT, is an Aztek, which looks totally unacceptable to my husband. It has more width to offer compared to the escort, but not close to the width and length offered by the minivans. I am looking at a 99 with traction control, power everything (14,995 with slight hail damage, before negotiations), but the lesser space of the aztek is looking more acceptable after reading some of these posts. What gas mileage can I expect for combined driving with the windstar? I have to drive it every day to work, with only occasional trips with dogs, so I need comfort, safety, and gas mileage. Any advice?
rbitdog

rbitdog · June 2001

I forgot to mention that the 99 windstar with slight hail damage has 39000 miles, checked carfax and it's ok (they don't tell you much), but don't know if it's had any mechanical repairs. It looks like all four tires need to be replaced, though, with tread wear and cracking almost like dry rot. It has four doors so I think it's an SE (the salesman said LX but can't find an LX listed with four doors). It does not have the power side door but does have power driver's seat and heated mirrors. I expect to get him down some, but what's a good price to expect? The dealerships around here selling new cars with hail damage usually drop about 3500 off the price.
thanks
rbitdog

cowiechief · June 2001

We have a 2000 SEL with 21000 on it and the right side sliding door has squeaked since the day we drove it off the lot. Dealer fixed once, lasted about 2 months. I took the panel off today and found the squeak; each of the fasteners that hold the panel seem to be the culprits... We'll see what kind of fix my dealer can come up with.

bdemas · June 2001

rbitdog: We had a '99 LX with driver side slider, they are out there. We got between 17 and 21 mpg. I don't know a good price for one now, check the local papers for other windstars of the same vintage. Ours had a pinging problem and shifted harshly at low speeds. We got rid of it at 20K miles, so I don't know the long term effects of these problems.

bjaff · June 2001

Windstar speedo problems .
I have a '97 windstar , 3.8 liter . Bought it used Nov '97 , Manufactured in Nov '96 . In June '98 had the speedo replaced under warranty . Now 3 years later it needs to be replaced again , same problem . When at any speed over 60KM , the speedo jumps around up to 100 - 200KM depending on actual speed . The odometer works fine , rotates smooth & correctly .
Has there been anybody else with these problems ?
Reply to "billjaffrey@netscape.net" .

crkeehn · June 2001

Yes, many people with Windstars and Taurus/Sable. It is a problem with their speedometers. I have been somewhat lucky with mine. I had a problem with it about a year ago and in desperation reached behind the dash to make sure that the wires were seated properly. Doing so apparently cleared up some corrosion, to date I have not had a recurrence. I undrstand that the repair cost is fairly steep.

k9cop1 · June 2001

I own a 99 & its great w/exception to gas mileage (12-14) local & 18 highway.
I ordered the console from JC Whitney. We need it to keep the kids from getting to us! LOL
Dave

drew_ · June 2001

You may want to check out the Ford Windstar problems discussion topic. You may also want to repost your previous message in there.

Good luck!

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

beernut · June 2001

I use my '97 for camping and want to install a switch on the interior lights so they won't be on with the doors open all day. Any easy way to do it? Any advice on where the magic wire is located so I can put a switch on it?

Thanks>

crkeehn · June 2001

Do you have the light group on your van? I have a 1996 GL with the light group and the lights turn themselves off if a door is left open for a certain period of time, 20 minutes to half an hour sticks in my mind.

tony22r · June 2001

I hope you all bought Extended Warranties for your Ford Windstars... you're going to need it.

I bought my 1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L V-6 brand new. I am the original owner. I take GOOD care of ALL my vehicles. I enjoy cars, am an auto enthusiast, have raced/built/rebuilt all kinds of cars since I was 13 yrs old. I am proud of my rides and take great care of my stable of vehicles; I change oil Religiously every 3K miles, rotate tires every 10K, flush radiators every summer, keep my engines so Meticulously Clean you could Eat off them!, wash my cars every other week.

But despite all the care and attention, the Ford Windstar has been one of the WORST!
It has gotten no less than 7 Factory Recalls in the first 3 years of ownership!
All sorts of Problems ranging from...:

* Defective factory Head Gasket (which Ford refuses to fix unless it is already Blown!)
* Hood Separation at high speeds (they put more glue on)
* Gas Tank (plastic) needed Reinforcement for hot weather climates (they put an extra strap on the middle)
* Sliding Door needed reinforcement/welding.
* Transmission Oil pan leaks, Engine Oil pan leaks.
* "Check Engine" light comes on ALL the time!
* Hesitation/Jerking/Loss of power at certain temperatures, elevations, engine speeds.
* Trim, body panels, weather stripping falling apart.

Do NOT buy ANY Ford vehicle with the 3.8L V6. All those nightmare stories you've been hearing about the 3.8L are true. It happened to me after only 65,200 miles.

OK, if you're just leasing/renting for a year or two, have at it, go and buy yourself a Ford Explorer with Firestone tires if you like.
It won't matter anyways, after a couple years it'll be someone else's problem not yours.

But if you plan to own the car for more than a couple years, Don't buy a Ford Windstar! It'll end up Owning YOU!
Spend a couple thousand extra and buy yourself a Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. Trust me it'll be worth it, because it won't be sitting on jackstands in your front yard in a few years.
If you buy a Ford Windstar you'll spend Thousands of dollars on repairs, recalls, wasted time, trouble, and headaches.
The Windstar 3.8L's are just huge money pits.

...I just got off the phone with Ford Customer Service (800)392-3673.
(Write that phone# down! you'll Need it!)
She told me that under Recall# M09 (i think), head gaskets on 3.8L V6 Windstars are now covered for 7 years/100,000 miles whichever comes First.
So tonight after work i am towing my '95 Windstar in to the dealership. It only has 65,200 miles and I am original owner. I took great care of my Windstar but the head gaskets still blew.

About a month ago my Check Engine light was coming on Constantly, my engine began to chug/hesitate really bad, felt like it was running on only 3 cylinders, i noticed i was losing coolant fast (1 gallon per week).
Loud Knocking/detonation on acceleration.
Now it is sitting on jackstands on my front yard waiting for the tow truck.

I will NEVER buy a Ford Windstar again. We want to get rid of this vehicle soon as we can. It is just a huge money pit and taking up our time. Trade-in/Resale value is pathetic, because everyone is aware of the horrible mechanical/reliablity problems of these Fords.
I hope it gets rear-ended like the other Windstar on this board.
$6000 from the insurance would be Great!

That doesn't even cover the money and time we've spent fixing it.

Ford Windstar

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